Bad words vs. poor actions

To the Editor:
My heart breaks at the pettiness that is happening to our country on behalf of (some) who perhaps do not grasp the impact of their actions. Citizens of America, of various ethnicities, religions, disabilities, and sexual orientations, have been treated a lot worse than the millionaires recently tough-lashed by President Trump. In the face of being abused, neglected, devalued, or even murdered, these survivors have faith in the symbolism of the American flag, hope, strength, loyalty, freedom, and humanity. They have the right to disagree in protest but keep the U.S. flag out of it. Children do not understand why their role models will not salute the same flag they salute in school. Kids only understand good and bad, either the flag is bad or the athlete is bad, its a no-win. 
It’s the flag my father fought under in Vietnam, and proudly saluted everyday on a tiny pole on his bureau, as he prepared to travel to cancer centers before he died. Cancer he developed from toxins during the war, but he would have proudly done it again. It’s the flag that guards the homes of families lost in grief, financial struggles, and post-traumatic stress disorder as a reminder of their sacrifice for humanity. It’s the icon that kept this country together when evil tried to tear it apart on Tuesday, September 11, 2001.
It is the cover of coffins of fallen of heroes. Would you disrespect a hero that died protecting the innocent or for your country? Then show solidarity with America, even if you have a dispute with its president, words are nothing, actions are everything. If not for America, then stand for the sacrifices.
Desiree Lee
Chester